Who is this visa for?

This route is for a person who wants to come to the UK to work within the creative sector.

A Creative Worker is someone who can make a unique contribution to the UK’s rich cultural life, for example, as an artist, dancer, musician or entertainer, or as a model contributing to the UK’s fashion industry.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category:

• make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you are internationally renowned or are required for continuity
• you have been given a Certificate of Sponsorship by a licensed sponsor
• be paid the minimum salary for your occupation code (except for models, musicians or circuses who may be paid less)
• have enough money to support yourself in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Concession policy:

You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:

• have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less
• do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor

You must still meet the other eligibility requirements.

Your partner and children can travel with you if they also do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.

When you arrive in the UK:

You must see an immigration officer when you arrive in the UK – do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The immigration officer you speak to will:

• check your certificate of sponsorship is valid
• check you have enough money to support yourself
• stamp your passport

Can dependants join me on this route?

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child’s parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will end on the earlier date.

If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either:

• at the same time as you
• at any time before their current visa expires

This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

• on a visit visa
• on a short-term student visa
• on a Parent of a Child Student visa
• on a seasonal worker visa
• on a domestic worker in a private household visa
• on immigration bail
• because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either:

• completed the course they were sponsored to study
• studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

How much does it cost?

• you must pay the £298 application fee
• you must also pay the immigration healthcare surcharge if your visa will be valid for longer than 6 months – this is currently set at £1,035.00 per annum for applicants 18 years of age and over, and £776.00 per annum for applicants under the age of 18
• you have money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

How long does it take?

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

What you can and cannot do:

You can:

• study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• do a job on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list for up to 20 hours per week
• bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

• get public funds
• start your own business

If you require assistance with applying for the Creative Worker Visa, please contact us for a quote.